African art and culture

By: Annie

The artist who provides masks and sculptures for traditional African Religions and arts holds a respected place in African tribal society. He trains for years to increase his knowledge of the traditional carving techniques and how they apply to African religions. He might be taught this craft as an apprentice in the workshop of carver, or he might learn from his father, who learned from his.

When Americans first learned of African art and became interested in it they did not understand the religious purposes of each piece of art. The African art was something new and different so people just got it for the uniqueness, not the religious aspect of it. Then as people got more interested they began to recognize the different religions and crafters. Great artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andre Derain began to study and copy some of the bold African styles.

            African masks and sculptures are part of religious costume that is used in religious and social events. They represent the spirits of ancestors or they can be used to control good and evil. During ceremonies these masks come alive through the wearers and the music. Masks can also be used to tell stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Masks and sculptures are a very big part in all African lives.